Translation and Meaning of: 慣れ - nare

The Japanese word 慣れ (なれ) is a fascinating term that carries important nuances in daily life and culture in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can enrich your understanding of the language. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics to cultural details that make this word something unique.

In addition to uncovering what 慣れ means, we will see how it appears in real contexts, its relationship with Japanese values, and even tips for memorizing it. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to dive deeper into the language, this guide will help you master this essential concept. And if you need more examples, Suki Nihongo offers a complete dictionary to deepen your studies.

The meaning and use of 慣れ in Japanese

慣れ (なれ) can be translated as "getting used to", "familiarity" or "habit". It describes the process of adapting to something new, whether it's a situation, environment, or even a person. The idea behind the word goes beyond simple repetition – it involves a feeling of comfort that arises over time.

In Japan, this concept is especially valued in social and professional contexts. For example, when someone starts a new job, it is common to hear phrases like 仕事に慣れましたか？ (Shigoto ni naremashita ka?), which means "Have you gotten used to the work?". This question reflects the importance that Japanese people place on the adaptation period.

The origin and writing of the kanji 慣れ

The kanji 慣 is composed of two main elements: the radical 忄(which represents the heart or feelings) and 貫 (which means "to pierce" or "to penetrate"). Together, they convey the idea of something that penetrates the heart through repetition, creating familiarity. This visual composition helps to understand why the word is linked to the concept of habituation.

Interestingly, 慣れ is often used in combination with other kanji to form compound words. One example is 習慣 (shūkan), which means "custom" or "habit." This relationship between the characters illustrates how the concept of adaptation is rooted in the Japanese language in various ways.

Accustomed to Japanese culture and society

In the cultural context, 慣れ reflects an important aspect of the Japanese mentality: the valuing of patience and continuous effort. Many traditions, such as the tea ceremony or martial arts, require years of practice before the practitioner achieves a state of naturalness – what the Japanese would call 慣れ.

This concept also frequently appears in animes and dramas, especially in stories about characters who need to adapt to new challenges. A tip for memorizing the word is to associate it with scenes where protagonists overcome difficulties through persistence, showing how 慣れ is a fundamental part of personal growth in Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 熟れ (Ure) - Mature, well-developed
• 馴れ (Nare) - Familiarity, to get used to
• 慣らし (Narashi) - Get used to, acclimate (usually used to train new equipment)
• 慣熟 (Kanjuku) - Familiarity and skill, especially in a practice context
• 熟練 (Jukuren) - Skill, proficiency acquired through practice
• 練達 (Renda) - Skill or mastery gained through experience
• 習熟 (Shuujuku) - Mastery through practice, familiarization with a specific skill or knowledge.
• 熟知 (Jukuchi) - Deep and detailed knowledge about a subject
• 精通 (Seitsuu) - Proficient or well-versed in a specific field, suggesting a high level of knowledge.
• 熟成 (Jukusei) - Maturation, a development process that results in improved quality (often used in the context of food or wine)
• 熟慮 (Jukuryo) - Careful reflection, consider in detail before making a decision
• 熟考 (Jukkou) - Intensive study or detailed consideration of a problem or situation
• 熟視 (Jukushi) - Observe with great attention and understanding, recognizing subtleties.
• 熟読 (Jukudoku) - Close reading, where care is taken to fully understand the material.

慣れ

Romaji: nare
Kana: なれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: practice; experience

Meaning in English: practice;experience

Definition: to get used to something.

Example Sentences - (慣れ) nare

See below some example sentences:

慣れるまで練習しよう。

Nareru made renshuu shiyou

Practice until you get used to it.

• 慣れる - means "get used to" in Japanese.
• まで - means "until" in Japanese.
• 練習 - means "practice" or "training" in Japanese.
• しよう - is a form of the Japanese verb "to do", in the imperative, which means "let's do it".

新入生は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかることがあります。

Shinnyūsei wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakaru koto ga arimasu

New students can take time to get used to a new environment.

• 新入生 - "new students"
• は - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "new students".
• 新しい - means "new" in Japanese.
• 環境 - It means "environment" in Japanese.
• に - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or target of the action, in this case "to" the new environment.
• 慣れる - It means "to get used to" in Japanese.
• のに - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a condition or a reason, in this case "to" get used to the new environment.
• 時間 - "tempo" means "time" in Japanese.
• がかかる - it's a Japanese expression that means "to take time" or "to be necessary time".
• こと - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates an action or an event, in this case "to take time".
• あります - It is a polite way to say "there is" or "there are" in Japanese.

私は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかります。

Watashi wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakarimasu

It takes time to get used to a new environment.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 環境 - Japanese noun that means "environment"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates action towards something or a place.
• 慣れる - Japanese verb that means "to get used to"
• のに - Japanese particle that indicates the purpose or objective of an action.
• 時間 - Japanese noun that means "time"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• かかります - Japanese verb meaning "to take time."